;3<> PHOCID.E. 



The Wild Boar, Sus Scrofa, Linn. 



This animal was at one period common in Ireland, but has long since 

 l)ecome extinct. 



In reference to this species, Dr. Scouler remarks (p. 226) : — 



" The wild boar was formerly the most abundant of the wild animals of Ire- 

 land. According; to Giraldus Cambrcnsis, they occurred in vast numbers, but 

 they were a small, deformed, and cowardly race. They continued to be plenti- 

 lul down to the 17th century. I have not been able to ascertain the date of 

 their extinction." 



Tusks of this species dug up in our bogs are often of goodly dimen- 

 sions. 



The Gigantic Irish Deer or Fossil Elk. 



Cervus Megaceros. 



— Ilibernicus, Desm. 

 Megaceros — Owen. 



We have not discovered amongst Mr. Thompson's MSS. any notes respecting 

 this exlinct animal ; but the reader will find full information on the subject in 

 Professor Owen's " History of British Fossil Mammalia and Birds," and the 

 several works there quoted. 



" Remarks on the Natural History of the Fossil Elk," by Dr. Scouler, ap- 

 peared in the Jonrn. of the Geol. Society of Dublin, vol. i. p. 197, with refer- 

 ences to other authorities. 



Professor Owen's work likewise contains a notice of the discovery of fossil 

 teeth of a species of Horse in Ireland. — Ed.] 



SECTION II.-MAMMALIA AQUATICA. 



The Common Seal, Phoca vitullna, Linn., 



Is frequent in suitable localities around the coast. Dr. Ball, in a paper 

 " on the species of seals inhabiting the Irish seas," published in the Koyal 

 Irish Academy's Transactions for 1838, gives interesting information on 

 this species. The following is an extract : — 



" On the 30th of September last I received from my friend Mr. Yates a living 

 specimen, taken two days before at Lissadell, County Sligo. It appeared in 

 perfect health, was about three feet eight inches in length, and its short muzzle, 

 lii2;h forehead, and large eyes, strongly distinguish it from Halichocrus. When 

 wet, it is almost black, variegated with whitish slate colour, and is somewhat 

 lighter on the breast than on the other parts : when dry, it is of a light, pearly, 

 grey colour. It had, when I received it, a portion of long fa^vn-coloured hair 

 on its flanks, evidently the remains of a more general coat, but this fell oft' in a 

 few days. On turning this seal out on the grass at the Zoological Gardens it 

 advanced fearlessly on the person nearest to it, and was not to be turned aside, 

 though pretty smartly struck with a heavy cloth. Its mode of battle is, when 

 within a proper distance, to turn on its side, and scratch with its uppermost 

 lore-paw, which it is able to extend considerably, and use with great power and 



